Volunteering FAQ

A: Volunteers need to be 21. If a parent is interested in volunteering we welcome the supervised involvement of their children.

Q: What is the application process?

A: Once we receive your application, we then call you to review your application and discuss your interests. Assuming we are a good fit for you and your interests, we will schedule your orientation and training.

Q: What is the orientation and training program?

A: All new volunteers participate in a training program/orientation if they are interested in volunteering for the adoption program or to foster cats. For the adoption program, this takes place at Petco for a total of minimally four (4) two-hour or more shifts over a period of 2 months by shadowing other volunteers who work with our adoption program. Potential foster homes will meet with an ICRA volunteer in your home to review foster home responsibilities other key information related to fostering cats, and ICRA policies and procedures related to fostering and adoption.

Q: When I work at Petco can I hold and play with the cats and kittens?

A: Set-up and take down times at Petco are very busy. Holding and playing with cats during this time is not allowed as there are many people and animals moving around in a small space. Once the site is set-up and the day has begun or towards the end of the day before clean-up starts, there may be times when it is appropriate to hold a cat. We are very careful, however, because if a cat does get loose, they are difficult to catch.

Q: Can I be a foster parent if I have other pets?

A: Yes, you can. However you would need to be able to keep the fostered animals totally separate from your other pets for a minimum of two weeks. The foster cat would have to have its own water, food and litter box. After the initial two weeks, you need to keep in mind how your other pets respond to new animals.

Q: What kind of time commitment is required?

A: We require a 6-month commitment to ICRA. We ask that volunteers are able to work a minimum of four (4) hours a month. For foster families, we ask you to begin foster caring for one cat or two or three kittens from the same litter.

Q: Do I need to have experience working with animals to volunteer with ICRA?

A: No, you do not. We will train you to work in the area that you are most interested in. You need to have a big heart and affection for cats and kittens. We welcome volunteers who do have experience working with animals.